The Attitude of Winners

Ready:

"Make your own attitude that of Jesus Christ."

-Philippians 2:5

Set

There are times in baseball when it seems like nothing goes right. You drop a fly ball, you strike out, you ground into a double play, your team gives up a bunch of runs. . . None of those are very encouraging, and people usually get mad and throw fits in those cases. You see this in the pros all the time. Managers especially can throw some of the biggest fits if an umpire doesn't make the call that they want. You would think that adults wouldn't throw fits!

Athletes and coaches often think that winning is everything, but truthfully, it is not. A person's attitude--win or lose--helps determine true winners and losers.

The Bible says that in order to please God, we need to love one another and work together with one purpose. It's says that we should not be selfish or to try to impress others, but instead be humble and look out for our teams. God wants us to have the same attitude that Jesus Christ had.

The Bible tells us, in Philippians, to think on good things, not bad. So, next time, instead of throwing a tantrum on the field, think to yourself, "I did my best, and next time, I will do better." Having a Christ-like attitude will bring victory to your life even when you lose a game.

1. How do you react if you or your team messes up? Why?

2. How SHOULD you react? Why?

3. What does the Bible say about your attitude?

4. What have you learned about how your attitude affects your performance?

Workout

Ephesians 4:23-24

Philippians 2:1-5

Philippians 4:8

Overtime

"Father, we pray in Jesus' name that You would help us to have good attitudes whether we win or lose. We give You all the glory for our athletic abilities."

Bible Reference:

Philippians 4